Spring Experiences

How do you know spring has arrived in Rockbridge County? Some might say it’s the marquee at Hull’s Drive-In announcing the first double feature of the season. Others would point to the flower-adorned storefronts in downtown Lexington. We say spring has arrived when the scenic countryside boasts new blooms and color bursts forth everywhere.

Signature Events

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Pound the pavement and paddle your way to glory during the Lexington Road & River Relay on Saturday, May 2. This four-leg race of running, cycling, kayaking, and more running encompasses 16.1 miles of beautiful countryside and Maury River views.

A Taste of Land & Sea

The 18th annual Rockbridge Bull & Oyster Fest is a tasty affair of oysters and BBQ with a side of live music. Set for April 4, the festival will be held at the Virginia Horse Center.

Get Outside!

The inaugural Rockbridge Outdoors Fest will be held on National Get Outside Day, June 13. Expect everything outdoorsy, including demonstrations, water activities, and guided hikes. Enjoy the food trucks, live entertainment, and fun for all ages at Glen Maury Park.

Live Music & Outdoor Entertainment

Who’s ready for yelps and hollers in the great outdoors? The Lime Kiln Theater, formerly a limestone quarry, kicks off its spring and summer music series in late May. With a schedule packed with up-and-coming bluegrass talent, high lonesome never sounded so good.

Springtime Family Fun

Opening weekend is March 20 at Hull's Drive-In. The non-profit drive-in movie theater offers weekend double features and a tasty snack bar to keep up with your late-night cravings. Pets are welcome.

There’s one great truth at the Virginia Safari Park: it’s a llama’s world, and you just live in it. You’ll see what we mean on an open-window cruise through this drive-thru zoo where llamas, camels, and zebras approach your car - and your feed bucket - with mouths open wide. The park opens March 7.

You can enjoy an event every spring weekend at the 600-acre Virginia Horse Center on scenic Hwy 39 on the northern outskirts of Lexington. Stop by for dressage events and shows spotlighting various breeds.

April 1 is a big day in downtown Lexington as the Lexington Carriage Company's horse-drawn carriage tours return for the season. This slow-paced, narrated tour through downtown is the best way to get the highlights and trivia about our 1778 town.

Farm-to-Table Fare

Small farms dot the countryside, providing locally sourced meat and a remarkable variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for local chefs. As winter recedes and gardens rejuvenate, the farm-to-table fare at Haywood’s gets downright innovative - and irresistible - as farmers roll out a flavorful array of spring produce.

Beverages for Grown Folks

What do you see from the lofty deck at Devils Backbone Brewing Company? The Blue Ridge Mountains, historic Route 11, and a beer in your hand. You're going to want to sip the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail to score more of that at Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery in Natural Bridge, Heliotrope Brewery in downtown Lexington, and Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery in Raphine.

Brew Ridge Taps in downtown Lexington serves 17 craft brews on draft plus a wide selection of bottle beer. Check the Brew Ridge Taps website for trivia nights, live music and game competitions.

Not yet on the cider train? Halcyon Days Cider Co. in Natural Bridge is making some of the best cider around and an excellent introduction to the beverage. Sample a few, then make your way through the apple tree labyrinth. Across the way is the Ramulose Ridge Vineyards tasting room at Virginia Gold Orchard. Stop by for a flight in the barn and plan to come back when the wildflowers are blooming; you can pick your own!

Ecco Adesso Vineyard in Fairfield boasts not only incredible views and award-wining wine, but you can also stay the night. Check their calendar for live music and special events throughout the season.

A spring picnic in Goshen Pass is always a great idea. If you’d like wine with your picnic, purchase a bottle in downtown Lexington at Purveyors on Main or Lexington Mercantile. For a "my wine came straight from the vineyard" grab, head to Jump Mountain Vineyard or Lexington Valley Vineyard on the way to the Goshen Pass wayside.

Sunday Drives

If you're visiting to enjoy one of our excellent spring events, you may want to take your time perusing some of our best routes. Have your camera ready; it's impressive!

Fresh Air Excursions

International Dark Sky Week is April 13-20 and our very own Natural Bridge State Park is an International Dark Sky Park! It's the perfect place to stargaze in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Enjoy our outdoors with an all-out hike or a tame trail walk. Want something more? Go ahead and pitch a tent and stay a while to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains.